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Socceroos World Cup 2014 squad: Australia's 23-man squad in Brazil

Australia's Tim Cahill will be a key attacking weapon for the Socceroos in Brazil.

AFP: Ian Kington

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has announced his 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Australia will face Chile, the Netherlands and Spain in a difficult Group B, in which the top two teams will progress to the knockout stage.

Player

Club/caps

Pos

Bio

Eugene Galekovic

Adelaide United

8 caps

GK

A World Cup call-up will be just reward for Galekovic's consistent form for Adelaide United, with whom he made a record 200th appearance this A-League season. His experience will be crucial for the younger keepers in the squad who may get the nod ahead of him, despite his eight caps.

Mitch Langerak

Dortmund

3 caps

GK

Has played less frequently than he would have liked for Bundesliga heavyweight Borussia Dortmund, but his big-game experience at a young age sees him remain a popular keeping choice for the Socceroos. Likely to be second-choice behind Ryan after copping a red card in the March friendly against Ecuador.

Mat Ryan

Club Brugge

6 caps

GK

Has shown tremendous form for Belgian club Club Brugge and looks the heir apparent to Mark Schwarzer. The former Mariners stopper has excited many fans with his composure and character at a young age, with Real Madrid apparently interested in the New South Welshman's talents.

Jason Davidson

Heracles Almelo

6 caps

DEF

Has found a consistent run in Dutch club Heracles Almelo's starting XI this season, and has long been earmarked for the Australian left-back position. Started against Costa Rica and Ecuador but was troubled against Ecuador's flying wingers.

Ivan Franjic

Brisbane Roar

8 caps

DEF

An integral part of the Brisbane Roar's A-League title run, Franjic has developed into one of Australia's best right-backs. Reliable in defence, his attacking game has also come to the fore with dangerous crosses added to his repertoire.

Ryan McGowan

Shandong

9 caps

DEF

Adelaide-born defender who spent five years playing for Hearts in the Scottish Premier League. Now plying his trade for Shandong, who he helped to a second-place finish in the Chinese Super League.

Matthew Spiranovic

Western Sydney

17 caps

DEF

The tall, strong centre-back has played in Germany, Japan and Qatar, before moving to the Wanderers where he has established himself as one of the A-League's top defenders. Scored his first A-League goal in the Wanderers' losing effort to the Brisbane Roar in the A-League grand final.

Alex Wilkinson

Jeonbuk

2 caps

DEF

Features regularly at centre-back for Jeonbuk in the K-League, having moved from the Central Coast Mariners in 2012. Made his Socceroos debut off the bench in the 4-3 loss to Ecuador.

Bailey Wright

Preston

Uncapped

DEF

The 21-year-old has played a crucial role in Preston North End's run to England's League One play-offs as the Lillywhites bid for promotion to the Championship. Comes into the side following Trent Sainsbury's knee injury in February.

Oliver Bozanic

Luzern

3 caps

MID

Another player who has benefitted from a move overseas, Bozanic has added an attacking flair to his game with Swiss club Luzern. He has played under Ange Postecoglou with the Young Socceroos and is knocking down the door for a more regular spot in the Australian team.

Mark Bresciano

Al Gharafa

73 caps

MID

Mark Bresciano was fined $1.87 million and suspended for four-months after FIFA ruled his transfer from UAE club Al Nasr to Qatar's Al Gharafa illegal. Despite his absence from the playing field, is considered a shoe-in for a berth in the starting XI, adding a vital creative spark to the midfield.

Ben Halloran

Fortuna Dusseldorf

1 cap

MID

A gamble on a move to the Bundesliga with Fortuna Dusseldorf has paid off for Halloran, with the pacey winger coming into a strong run of form at just the right time. Five goals in five games to end the season could see him claim the spot on the right vacated by the injured Robbie Kruse.

James Holland

Austria Vienna

13 caps

MID

As Australia's only player who obtained regular UEFA Champions League exposure in 2013/14, Holland is a player with experience in handling big players on big occasions. His time with Austria Vienna has been very successful, and he is a realistic option to partner Mile Jedinak in midfield.

Mile Jedinak

Crystal Palace

43 caps

MID

Likely to be named Socceroos captain, Jedinak is a crucial defensive cog in Australia's midfield. He has enjoyed two excellent seasons with Crystal Palace, anchoring the Eagles' midfield to exceed expectations in club's 11th-placed finish this Premier League season.

Massimo Luongo

Swindon

1 cap

MID

The Sydney-born midfielder was a regular starter for Swindon's League One campaign, scoring four goals. The 21-year-old made his debut as a substitute against Ecuador in March.

Matt McKay

Brisbane Roar

46 caps

MID

A key man in the Brisbane Roar's midfield, McKay played mostly at left-back for the Socceroos during their qualifying campaign. He has picked up two A-League championships with the Roar, but is likely to play a utility role in midfield and defence for Australia.

Mark Milligan

Melbourne Victory

28 caps

MID

A reliable defensive midfielder and Melbourne Victory captain, Milligan will provide good competition in a midfield that will come under constant scrutiny in Brazil. Has become a regular for the national side after playing spells in China and Japan.

Tommy Oar

Utrecht

14 caps

MID

Lauded as Australia's next bright talent coming through the ranks, Oar struggled to gain a foothold in the Socceroos team with Harry Kewell in his way on the left wing. Scored a fortunate but crucial goal against Japan in Australia's ultimately successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

Dario Vidosic

FC Sion

22 caps

MID

After a move from Adelaide to Switzertland with Sion, Vidosic has rocketed into World Cup contention. He has been a stand-out for his Swiss club as a traditional number 10, and as doubts surround Mark Bresciano's match-fitness and Tom Rogic's suitability, Vidosic could be a dark horse for the first match against Chile.

Tim Cahill

New York Red Bulls

68 caps

FWD

Australia's lionheart, Cahill became the Socceroo's all-time greatest goal scorer in the friendly against Ecuador in March and may well be the country's best ever player. Remains just as dangerous in the air despite his age, as his goal-scoring exploits in the MLS proves.

Mathew Leckie

FSV Frankfurt

7 caps

FWD

While his speed and strength has seen him fill the vacant right-midfield spot for the Socceroos in recent times, Leckie still has aspirations of leading the line in Brazil. After a successful season for German side FSV Frankfurt, he will have a significant role to play in attack.

Adam Taggart

Newcastle Jets

4 caps

FWD

A relative unknown before the recent A-League season, Taggart claimed the league's golden boot award with 16 goals for the Newcastle Jets. A clinical finisher in the box and from range, his startling rise could be rewarded with an opportunity in Brazil.

James Troisi

Melbourne Victory

10 caps

FWD

After wasting away on the bench at Italian club Atalanta, Troisi returned to Australia to join up with Melbourne Victory in a move that has resurrected his career. He has been finding the net with regularity in the A-League, and offers an in-form alternative for Ange Postecoglou.